There are so many diets and weight loss plans out there these days, how do you decide which one is best for you? The basic equation for weight loss is more calories out than calories in but there a variety of ways to get to that equation and not every method works perfectly for every person. Here we will discuss and explain the concepts behind a couple of popular diets in order to help you decide which weight loss method is best for you. A few tips to remember- the key to success on any weight loss program is choosing one you can stick to. Don’t try to deprive yourself of any one food, especially one that you love to eat. At some point you will cave in and probably overindulge leaving you feeling guilty. Hopefully you will find the right program to help you reach your goals!
One of the most popular and longest followed weight loss plans is Weight Watchers. While exercise is encouraged, this plan is based primarily on the food you eat. Foods are assigned a point system and you are allotted a certain number of points per day, however by exercising you can earn more points. Weight Watchers encourages eating a balanced diet but leans towards low fat, low calorie, high-fiber foods which help to fill you up. Weight Watchers has been around for many years and its continued success is primarily due to the support system found in meeting groups and the leniency of dieters to have desserts and “bad” foods once in a while. Overall, this diet has good results in the long run because it does teach how to eat in the real world without depriving yourself.
Another diet that has found popularity over the last 7 years is the South Beach Diet. Created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, this diet is a three-phase plan with phase 1 lasting for two weeks, phase 2 until you reach your goal weight and phase 3 is lifetime maintenance plan. Dieters should incorporate light to moderate exercise such as walking and stretching several times throughout the week. During phase 1, dieters will cut out all processed carbohydrates, phase 2 will slowly add them back in and phase 3 will help you learn how to re-eat in moderation. This weight loss plan does allow for some flexibility in eating, which is important for a life changing plan.
The Biggest Loser Diet has gained quite a bit of popularity in the last few years due to the increasing number of show viewers. This diet focuses on a combination of calorie counting, varied foods and intense exercise. Dieters are asked to eat several small meals a day (within their calorie allotment) that follow the 4-3-2-1 pyramid-4 servings of fruits and veggies, 3 servings of lean protein, 2 servings of whole grain and 1 serving of healthy fats. This diet has been proven to work over and over on the show “The Biggest Loser” but it can be a stricter regiment to follow.
There are so many diets out there and all of them have worked for someone, somewhere at some point but you have to find the one that is right for you! If it’s not a plan that you can see yourself sticking to in the long run the diet will fail so make sure you do your research before starting and you will find yourself to be a happier and healthier person in the long run. Happy weight loss!